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Year 2 - Maths

Compare the number of objects in two sets or difference between two measures.

Calculating within 20

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will add 3 addends. They will use a strategy such as finding 2 addends to total 10 or 2 numbers to bridge though 10.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to compare the number of objects in two sets or describe the difference between two measures.

Key Notes

  • We can compare two sets of items. There are more ___ than ___. There are fewer ___ than ___.
  • We can use a range of vocabulary to compare two measures. Longer/shorter, taller/shorter, heavier/lighter etc.
  • We can see the difference between two numbers or measures as the 'gap' between them.
  • Cubes, bar models and number lines can help us to visualise this 'gap'

Vocabulary To Learn

  • More: A larger quantity or amount.
  • Fewer: A smaller quantity or amount.
  • Difference: The result of subtracting one number from another. Way in which two or more things we are comparing are not the same.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Using less and fewer incorrectly when describing and comparing.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.

We can compare two sets of items. There are more ___ than ___. There are fewer ___ than ___. We can use a range of vocabulary to compare two measures. Longer/shorter, taller/shorter, heavier/lighter etc.

2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'More'

A larger quantity or amount. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.

3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.

Mistake: Using less and fewer incorrectly when describing and comparing. Correction: Reinforce 'fewer' is used for things we can count (not as many) and 'less' is used for things we cannot count (not as much). Explore a range of examples of this together.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 2 Maths guide library.